Odinga’s man, Kalonzo demands dialogue for peace in Kenya

Kalonzo further called for unity within NASA saying that the coalition will have a retreat soon to end the wrangles that have threatened to rock the opposition coalition.

Odinga’s man, Kalonzo demands dialogue for peace in Kenya

Opposition leader in Kenya, Kalonzo Musyoka, has called on President Uhuru Kenyatta to urgently call for a dialogue to enable opposition members discuss ‘electoral justice’ with the government.

Main opposition leader, Raila Odinga, had opted out of the electoral process, citing perceived under-dealing by the electoral body and the government.

However, the election went on as scheduled, giving Kenyatta unfettered access to his second tenure.

Odinga’s efforts to stall Kenyatta’s inauguration did not succeed. The opposition leaders have consistently issued threats of inaugurating a parallel government against Kenyatta but the threats have always fallen into deaf ears. Currently, members of opposition are calling for dialogue.   

National Super Alliance (NASA) co-principal Kalonzo has vowed he will be sworn in as Deputy President alongside Raila Odinga as President if President Uhuru Kenyatta rejects calls for dialogue on electoral justice.

Citizen Kenya reported him as saying that such dialogue would ensure lasting national unity.

“If Uhuru abdicates his duty of uniting this nation, then don’t blame Raila and Kalonzo if they get sworn in,” said Kalonzo

While terming President Kenyatta’s refusal to dialogue as “insensitive”, the former Vice President said that the country is deeply divided and only talks on electoral justice between the main political players will bring an end to the current political impasse.

“The truth is that the presidential election was bungled and the country is polarized along tribal lines and we cannot proceed like this,” said Kalonzo.

While citing recent calls for dialogue by western envoys among them US ambassador to Kenya Robert Godec and UK high commissioner Nic Hailey, Kalonzo noted that the coalition will however not entertain any other talks apart from ensuring electoral justice and conducting a new poll all the while insisting NASA votes were stolen during the August 8th general election.